Selectively magnetized connectors

ABSTRACT

There is disclosed magnetic connectors and electronic devices including such connectors. A connector may include a magnet rotatable about at least one axis of the magnet; wherein the magnet rotates to magnetically engage a magnet of another connector to form an electrical connection between the two magnets. A connector may also include a cylindrical magnet to magnetically engage a magnet of another connector; and a sleeve wrapped around at least part of the magnet, the sleeve comprising a contact for forming an electrical connection with a contact on the other connector. A connector may be adapted for selective connection with other connectors. A connector may be adapted such that a moveable magnet may move between an engaged position proximate a contacting surface of the connector and a disengaged position recessed from a contacting surface, wherein the moveable magnet is biased to the disengaged position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of PCT application no. PCT/CA2014/000803, filedon Nov. 12, 2014 and published as WO 2015/070321, and claims priorityfrom U.S. provisional patent application Nos. 61/903615 filed Nov. 13,2013, 62/016264 filed Jun. 24, 2014, 62/029328 filed Jul. 25, 2014 and62/032955 filed Aug. 4, 2014, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to magnetic connectors for connecting devices toone another.

BACKGROUND

Mobile electronic devices (e.g. mobile phones, tablet computers, laptopcomputers, or the like) are usually provided with a plurality ofconnection options which allow the devices to communicate with oneanother electronically, or to supply energy to the internal battery torecharge the battery, or to add functionality to the device, such asconnecting a peripheral device (e.g., keyboard, mouse, speakers, or thelike).

Connection of devices mechanically and/or electrically integrates themultiple devices to provide complementary functions. To establish suchconnections it is necessary to orientate the devices relative to oneanother and to facilitate mechanical and/or electrical communicationbetween the devices, e.g., by way of a contacts, ports, sockets, andother interfaces, which may be collectively referred to as connectors.The relative orientation of the devices is obtained through mechanicalconnections. It is desirable for these mechanical connections to berobust, simple to use, and aesthetically pleasing.

Electrical communication between the devices is typically providedeither through wires or through wireless communications. Wires or cablesare cumbersome to carry and increase the physicality of the devices.Provision must also be made on the device to permit connection of thecables to the device, which again presents aesthetic challenges to thedesign of the device. Wireless connections are less secure, with thepossibility of eavesdropping on communications, require more energy andtherefore consume more power from the battery and are subject tointerference from external sources.

Therefore, it is desired to provide an improved connector that obviatesor mitigates some or all of the above disadvantages.

SUMMARY

In an aspect, there is provided a connector including a magnet rotatableabout at least one axis of the magnet. The magnet rotates tomagnetically engage a magnet of another connector to form an electricalconnection between the two magnets.

The electrical connection may comprise a data path.

The electrical connection may comprises a power path.

The connector may include a substantially enclosed cavity in which themagnet is rotatable.

The magnet may have a spherical shape.

The magnet may have a cylindrical shape.

The magnet may be a first magnet and the connector may include aplurality of magnets that includes the first magnet. The plurality ofmagnets may be arranged in a stack. Each of the plurality of magnets mayhave a cylindrical shape.

The connector may include an insulator disposed between at least two ofthe plurality of magnets, thereby allowing the at least two magnets toform separate electrical connections with the other connector.

Each of the plurality of magnets may have a hole extending therethroughsuch that a channel is defined through the stack, the channel forreceiving an elongated electrical plug that forms an electricalconnection with at least one of the plurality of magnets.

In another aspect, there is provided a device including a connectordisclosed herein, the connector disposed at an edge of the device, forelectrical connection with another device. The device is rotatablerelative to the other device about an axis substantially parallel to theedge while maintaining the connection therebetween as a result ofrotation of the magnet in the connector.

The device may be adapted to control the other device by way of theelectrical connection.

In a further aspect, there is provided a connector including acylindrical magnet to magnetically engage a magnet of another connector;and a sleeve wrapped around at least part of the magnet, the sleevecomprising a contact for forming an electrical connection with a contacton the other connector.

The sleeve may be a flexible flat cable.

The connector may include a cylindrical shim interposed between thesleeve and the at least part of the magnet.

In a yet further aspect, there is provided a connector for selectiveconnection with other connectors. The connector includes a plurality ofmagnets disposed along a connecting surface of the connector; theplurality of magnets arranged to have a plurality of non-uniformmagnetic orientations comprising: a magnetic orientation substantiallyparallel to the surface; and a magnetic orientation diagonal to thesurface; such that the connector selectively connects to otherconnectors having magnets arranged with magnetic orientations matched tothe plurality of magnetic orientations.

The plurality of magnetic orientations may be selected to encode anassigned key.

The plurality of magnetic orientations may be symmetrical.

The plurality of magnetic orientations may be asymmetrical.

The plurality of magnets may be arranged in a line.

The plurality of magnets may be arranged in a grid.

In yet another aspect, there is provided a connector for selectiveconnection with other connectors. The connector includes a plurality ofmagnets disposed along a connecting surface of the connector, each ofthe plurality of magnets having a magnetic orientation; the plurality ofmagnets comprising at least one electromagnet having a magneticorientation selected by a selecting a direction of current flow to theelectromagnet; such that the connector selectively connects to otherconnectors having magnets arranged with magnetic orientations matched tothe magnetic orientations of the plurality of magnets.

The connector may include a controller configured to receive a signalindicating a possible connection with another connector.

The signal may be received wirelessly.

The controller may be configured to activate the electromagnet to have amagnetic orientation selected to attract the other connector.

The controller may be configured to activate the electromagnet to have amagnetic orientation selected to repel the other connector.

In an even further aspect, there is provided a connector including amoveable magnet moveable between at least: an engaged position proximatea contacting surface of the connector, wherein the moveable magnetengages another connector to form a connection therewith; and adisengaged position recessed from a contacting surface, wherein themoveable magnet is disengaged from the other connector; wherein themoveable magnet is biased to the disengaged position, and is drawn tothe engaged position by magnetic attraction between the moveable magnetand the other connector when the other connector is proximate.

The connection may include an electrical connection.

The connection may include a mechanical connection.

The moveable magnet may be biased to the disengaged position by aspring.

The connector may include a magnetic element disposed proximate thedisengaged position, wherein the moveable magnet is biased to thedisengaged position by magnetic attraction between the magnet and themagnetic element.

A density of flux lines between the magnet and the magnet element mayincrease when the moveable magnet moves towards the disengaged position.

The magnetic element may include a ferrous element.

The magnetic element may include a biasing magnet.

The connector may include a ferrous element disposed between the biasingmagnet and the contacting surface to magnetically shield the contactingsurface from the biasing magnet.

An electrical connection may be formed between the biasing magnet withthe other connector through the ferrous element.

The moveable magnet may be a first moveable magnet and the connector mayinclude a second moveable magnet, each of the moveable magnets moveablebetween at least: a respective engaged position proximate a contactingsurface of the connector, wherein the moveable magnet engages anotherconnector to form a connection therewith; and a respective positionrecessed from a contacting surface, wherein the moveable magnet isdisengaged from the other connector; wherein each of the moveablemagnets is biased to the respective disengaged position, and is drawn tothe respective engaged position by magnetic attraction between therespective moveable magnet and the other connector when the otherconnector is proximate.

The connector may further include a first channel defining a path inwhich the first moveable magnet moves, and a second channel defining apath in which the second moveable magnet moves, and wherein each of themoveable magnet is biased to the respective disengaged position byconvergence of the paths when the moveable magnets move towards therespective disengaged positions.

In another aspect, there is disclosed a method of operating electronicdevices. The method includes providing at least two devices, each of thedevices including a connector as disclosed herein, connecting the twodevices by way of the respective connectors in a first mechanicalconfiguration; and connecting the two devices by way of the respectiveconnectors in a second mechanical configuration different from the firstmechanical configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of an exampleonly with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C are perspective views of a pair of electronicdevices, in three respective configurations, exemplary of an embodiment;

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F are schematic views showing locationsof connectors on an electronic device, exemplary of embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a portion of the two devices of FIG. 1B, from aview III;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a portion of the two devices of FIG. 1B, in analternative configuration, exemplary of an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a portion of the two devices of FIG. 1B, in afurther configuration, exemplary of an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a view showing multiple interconnected devices, exemplary ofan embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a view showing stacking of devices, exemplary of anembodiment;

FIG. 8 is a view showing the devices of FIG. 7 in an alternativeconfiguration, exemplary of an embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a view showing multiple interconnected devices, exemplary ofan embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 8, exemplary of an embodiment;

FIG. 11 is view similar to FIG. 9, exemplary of an embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a selectively configurable connector,exemplary of an embodiment;

FIG. 13 is view similar to FIG. 12, exemplary of an embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 12, exemplary of an embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 12 with magnets in an engaged state,exemplary of an embodiment;

FIG. 16 a view of the connectors of FIG. 15, with the magnets in andisengaged state, exemplary of an embodiment;

FIG. 17 is schematic view of a connector, exemplary of an embodiment;

FIG. 18 is view similar to FIG. 17, exemplary of an embodiment;

FIGS. 19A-19B are views of connectors having a single large magnet,exemplary of embodiments;

FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D are views of a connector having multiplemagnets, exemplary of embodiments;

FIG. 21 is a view of a connector with key encoding, exemplary of anembodiment;

FIG. 22 is a view of a connector with a biasing magnet and a ferrousblock, exemplary of an embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a schematic view of a connector having engaged and disengagedstates, exemplary of an embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a schematic view of a connector having engaged and disengagedstates, exemplary of an embodiment;

FIGS. 25A, 25B, and 25C are schematic views showing arrays ofconnectors, exemplary of embodiments;

FIGS. 26 is a schematic view showing selectively activated connectors,exemplary of embodiments;

FIG. 27 is a schematic view of a connector with magnets in an engagedstate, exemplary of an embodiment;

FIG. 28 is a schematic view of a connector with magnets in a disengagedstate, exemplary of an embodiment;

FIG. 29A, 28B, and 29C are views of a computing device includingconnectors, exemplary of an embodiment;

FIG. 30A is side view of one of the connector of FIG. 29, exemplary ofan embodiment;

FIG. 30B is an exploded side view of the connector of FIG. 30A,exemplary of an embodiment;

FIG. 31A is a side view of a connector of the device of FIG. 28,exemplary of an embodiment;

FIG. 31B is an exploded side view of the connector of FIG. 31A,exemplary of an embodiment;

FIG. 31C is a schematic view of a plug of the connector of FIG. 31A,exemplary of an embodiment;

FIG. 32A is a side view of a connector of the device of FIG. 29,exemplary of an embodiment;

FIG. 32B is an exploded side view of the connector of FIG. 32A,exemplary of an embodiment;

FIGS. 33A and 33B are views of a sleeve of the connector of FIG. 32A,exemplary of an embodiment;

FIG. 34A, 34B, and 34C are views of computing devices includingconnectors, exemplary of embodiments;

FIG. 35A, 35B, and 35C are views of interconnected computing devices,exemplary of embodiments;

FIG. 36 is a view of computing devices interconnected by a bus,exemplary of an embodiment;

FIG. 37 is a network diagram of computing devices interconnected by anetwork, exemplary of an embodiment;

FIG. 38 is a schematic diagram of a computing device, exemplary of anembodiment;

FIG. 39 is a schematic view of software components of interconnectedcomputing devices exemplary of an embodiment;

FIG. 40A and 40B are schematic views of interconnected computing devicescooperating to display an image, exemplary of an embodiment;

FIG. 41A and 41B are views of a computing device having ferrous strips,exemplary of an embodiment;

FIG. 42A, 42B, and 42C are views of stacks of magnets, for inclusion ina connector, exemplary of embodiments;

FIGS. 43A, 43B, 43C, 43D, 43E, 43F, and 43G are views of an assemblyincluding a connector and a connector housing, exemplary of embodiments;and

FIG. 44 is a view of an assembly including a connector and a connectorhousing, exemplary of an embodiment;

FIGS. 45A, 45B, 45C, 45D, 45E and 45F are views of a connector housing,exemplary of an embodiment; and

FIGS. 46A, 46B, 46C, 46D, 46E, 46F, 46G, and 46H are views of anassembly including a connector and the connector housing of FIGS. 45A,45B, 45C, 45D, 45E and 45F, exemplary of an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C, a pair of electronic devices 10,12 each include a housing 14 defined by contiguous external surfaces 16.The devices 10, 12 may be any electronic devices that interface with oneanother and provide complementary functions. For example, each devicemay be a smartphone, or one may be smartphone and the other a speaker.As further examples, one of the devices may be a smartphone and theother a viewing screen, or both may be viewing screens, or one may be ascreen and the other a keyboard; one device may be a touchscreen enableddevice and the other a router to communicate to the Internet, or one maybe a camera and the other a smart phone to store images from the camera.It will be apparent that the exact function of the devices is notsignificant and many mutually complementary devices exist that benefitfrom interconnection and interoperation.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the devices 10, 12 may be arranged side by sidewith a pair of surfaces 16 juxtaposed, typically when in use, or, asshown in FIG. 1B, in a stacked configuration with a different pair ofsurfaces juxtaposed for storage or for alternative functions.

As may be seen from FIG. 3, each of the devices 10, 12 has pairs ofsurfaces 16 that merge smoothly at corners 18 over a relatively smallradius, indicated at 22, to define the edges of the devices 10, 12.

Devices 10, 12 include connectors at corners 18. In particular, eachconnector includes a spherical magnet 24 that is supported in each ofthe devices 10, 12 at the corners 18. The magnets 24 are mounted forrotation about three orthogonal axes, for example, by being rotatablylocated within a substantially enclosed cavity (e.g., a cage, which maybe formed of electrically-insulative materials such as plastic, orelectrically-conductive materials as required). The magnets 24 areformed with a pair of hemispherical poles such that one half of thesphere is a north pole and the other a south. Such magnets may be madefrom rare earth materials, such as Neodymium-Iron-Boron, as aregenerally available. In other embodiments, a magnet 24 may be shaped ormounted for rotation about fewer axes of the magnet (e.g., about one ortwo axes of the magnet).

Indicator discs 26 are incorporated into the surfaces 16 to provide anindication of the location of the magnet 24. The discs 26 may beconveniently made from a magnetically transparent material, such asaluminum or copper that also enhances the aesthetics of the casing.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, with the devices 10, 12 in the position ofFIG. 1B, one of the indicator discs 26 on one device 10 is positionedover the indicator 26 of the other device. In this position, the magnets24 are adjacent one another so that one or more of the magnets 24 rotateto magnetically engage one another. In particular, one or more of themagnets 24 may rotate to be oriented such that the north and south polesof adjacent magnets are aligned. As further detailed below, in someembodiments, once the magnets 24 are engaged, an electrical connectionmay be formed through the magnets 24 for provide data and/or powerpaths. In an embodiment, the electrical connection may be formed throughcontacts disposed on housings 14, the contacts being in electricalcommunication with respective magnets 24. In another embodiment, themagnets 24 may protrude through respective housing 14 such that theycontact each other directly.

A significant magnetic force is applied between the components to retainthe components in the desired configuration. The rotational support ofthe magnet 24 ensures that it is free to rotate under the magneticforces present from the adjacent magnet and thereby provide therequisite magnetic field strength to retain the components in thatconfiguration.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, the devices 10, 12 may be reoriented such thatthe corners 18 abut. In this position, the indicator discs 26 are againaligned and the magnets 24 similarly self-aligned to provide maximumattractive force. The reorientation may be achieved by physicalseparation of the devices 10, 12 and repositioning, or may use thecurved corners 18 at the intersection of the surfaces 16 to establish ahinged connection. The hinged connection allows, for example, thedevices to be rotated relative to one another about an axis that issubstantially parallel to the adjacent edges of the devices. As thedevices 10, 12 are adjusted relative to one another, each of the magnets24 rotate within their housing to maintain alignment and retain aconnection between the two devices. Adjustment over a range of movementcan thus be achieved without separation of the devices and whilemaintaining the connection between the devices, as indicated in FIG. 1C.

If the configuration of the devices 10, 12 is to be changed such thatthey lie side-by-side, so that two different surfaces 16 abut, asillustrated in FIG. 5, the poles of the magnets 24 would not initiallybe aligned with the abutting indicator discs 26. However, the magneticfield strength between the two adjacent magnets 24 is such that the eachof magnets is rotated through 90° from the position shown in FIG. 3 tobring a north pole into alignment with a south pole and ensure thenecessary connection.

In the above embodiment, the magnet 24 is spherical allowing it torotate about three mutually perpendicular axes. The magnet 24 mayalternatively be cylindrical so as to be rotatable about a single axisand allow orientation of each of the magnets to adjacent devices.

The connection is not limited to a pair of devices. In the embodiment ofFIG. 6, four devices are positioned such that the indicator discs 26 ofone abuts the indicator discs 26 of two other devices 10, 12. In thisarrangement, the spherical magnets 24 orientate themselves so as to beat 45° to the two surfaces 16, but still provide a strong magneticcoupling between the north pole in one magnet and the adjacent southpole in the adjacent magnet. An equilibrium position will be found inwhich the magnetic forces are balanced and the components retained.

The connection provided by the magnet 24 may also be incorporated intoother form factors of the devices 10, 12. As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and8, the devices 10, 12 are relatively thin with a spherical magnet 24located adjacent one edge 16. An indicator disc 26 is located on thethree adjacent surfaces and, when the components 10, 12 are stacked, oneabove the other, as shown in FIG. 7, the magnets 24 are aligned so thatthe north pole of one magnet is adjacent to the south pole of theadjacent magnet. The device 12 may also be positioned on the end face ofthe device 10 such that it is at right angles to the device 12. In thatconfiguration, as shown in FIG. 8, the indicator 26 on the end face ofthe device 12, abuts the indicator 26 on one surface of the device 10and the magnets 24 realign so that the opposite poles are adjacent oneanother. Again, the devices 10, 12 are held securely to one another inthe revised configuration.

Wth the arrangement of FIG. 7, it will be appreciated that additionalcomponents can be stacked one above the other, as indicated in FIG. 9.In each case the magnets orientate themselves to provide dissimilarpoles.

It is also possible, as shown in FIG. 10, to incorporate a passivemagnetic material 28 into one of the devices 10, rather than an activemagnet. In this configuration, the active magnet 24 in the component 12will interact with the magnetic material in the component 10 and providea stable connection between the two devices in one the three possiblepositions. The magnet 24 will align with either pole adjacent to themagnetic material 28. It will be appreciated however that the use of thepassive magnetic material in place of the active magnet reduces thenumber of configurations that can be attained. In some embodiments, theactive magnet 28 may form an electrical collection with the passivemagnetic material 28.

As shown in FIG. 11, where the devices 10, 12 have an increasedthickness, a pair of magnets 24 may be incorporated, one at each corner18, and again adjacent components can be connected through theinteraction of adjacent magnets in the two devices. Where one device 10needs to be aligned with the other 12 in side-to-side relationship, asindicated in ghosted outline, the magnets 24 will again align to providea magnetic connection between the two devices.

For enhanced flexibility, it will be appreciated that a magnet at eachcorner of the housing 14 is preferred. However, in different devices, itmay not be necessary to provide a magnet in each corner, but ratherdistribute the magnets about the housing at convenient locations. FIG. 2illustrates, non-exhaustively, a variety of possible locations. Thus,the magnet 24 may be located centrally, as shown in FIG. 2A, inset fromeach corner 18 as shown in FIG. 2B or at the corners 18 as describedabove and shown in FIG. 2C. It is also possible to arrange the magnets24 so that only a preferred orientation is available, for example byarranging the magnets 24 at the apexes of a triangle as shown in FIG.2D, or only selected areas of the housing 14 as shown in FIG. 2F. Aflexible orientation can be provided by arranging the magnets 24 along amajor axis of the housing 14 as shown in FIG. 2E so that the connectionis attained in either of two positions.

As noted above, in some embodiments, the magnets may be utilized toconnect the devices both mechanically and electrically.

So, referring to FIG. 12, a pair of devices, 10 a, 12 a includeconnectors, each having an array 30 of electrical connections. Asdetailed below, the connectors are adapted for selective connection withother connectors.

As shown, the array 30 has a plurality of electrical terminals 32embedded in the surface. Each terminal 32 is connected throughelectrical leads 34 within the device 10 a, 12 a to a controller 36. Thecontroller 36 determines the functional connections of the device toeach of the terminals 32. An electromagnet 38 is located adjacent toeach of the terminals 32 and is selectively energized by a magneticcoupling controller 40. The current flow to the electromagnet 38 isbidirectional so that the electromagnet 38 may attain either a north orsouth pole adjacent to the associated terminal 32. Thus, the magneticorientations of the electromagnets 38 may be selected by a direction ofcurrent flow to each of the electromagnets 38. The connector selectivelyconnects to other connectors having magnets arranged with magneticorientations matched to the magnetic orientations of the electromagnets38.

The opposite array 30 has a permanent magnet 24 associated with each ofthe terminals 32. The magnet 24 is displaceable within the housing 14 soas to move toward or away from the contacting surface 16. The magnets 24are preferably biased away from the surface 16 by a light spring, orsimilar device, so as to be normally in a retracted position. Theterminals 32 may similarly be biased away from the deployed position ormay be affixed to the magnet 24 so as to move with the magnet. Fulldisplacement of the terminal 32 may not be required to inhibitelectrical contact and simple preloaded flexure away from the contactmay be sufficient, with the flexure overcome by the action of the magnet24. Where the controller 36 controls the internal connections in thedevice 10 b, the terminal 32 may remain fixed, as shown in FIG. 12.

Upon connection of the device 10 a to the device 12 a, the terminals 32are brought into alignment. The device 10 a recognizes the nature of thedevice 12 a and a possible connection therewith, typically through anear field communication protocol or another type of wireless signal,and conditions the controller 36 to establish the requisite connectionsto the appropriate one of the terminals 32. The magnetic couplingcontroller 40 is similarly conditioned to activate selected ones of theelectromagnets 38. Those electromagnets that are activated generate amagnetic field that attracts the associated magnet 24 and establishes aphysical and electrical connection between the terminals 32 of theabutting arrays 30. In this way, the controller 40 may activate theelectromagnets 38 to have a magnetic orientation selected to attractanother connector. Conversely, the controller 40 may activate theelectromagnets 38 to have a magnetic orientation selected to repelanother connector.

Where a connection is not required, the electromagnet 38 is notenergized and the magnetic force is insufficient to overcome the bias ofthe magnet 24 to the retracted position.

As the nature of the devices 10, 12 change, the controllers 36, 40 mayadjust both the connections within the device and the selectivelyenergizable magnetic coupling to provide a selective electricalconnection between the two devices. In the event that the devices shouldnot be connected to one another, the electromagnets 38 may be energizedso as to repel the permanent magnets and thereby ensure that anyelectrical connection is not established.

The selective operation of the electrical connection may also beutilized to ensure that the connection is authorized by the device 10 a.Activation of the electromagnetic through the magnetic couplingcontroller 40 can be in itself controlled through a password orencryption protocol that requires authentication of the device 12 abefore the connections are made. In this way, access to sensitiveinformation on the device 10 a can be inhibited.

A similar arrangement can be provided using arrays of permanent magnets24 as shown in FIG. 13. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 13, permanentmagnets 24 are installed in the device 10 a and moveable sphericalpermanent magnets 24 installed in the device 12 a. When the devices 10a, 12 a are brought into contact, the spherical magnets 24 orientatethemselves so that the plurality of the magnets 24 in the device 10 aestablish both a mechanical and electrical connection. The controller 36determines the functional nature of the connection established by eachmagnet 24.

In the above embodiments, the terminals 32 are indicated as separatefrom the magnet 24 but, as shown in FIG. 14, those magnets 24 mayprovide both a force of attraction and as the electrical connection. Theend face of each of the permanent magnets 24 is formed so that itprotrudes slightly from the casing 14 and thereby establishes anelectrical connection with an adjacent array 30 of magnets 24.

The form of actuation of the magnets 24 may be combined as shown in FIG.15, in which the array 30 associated with the device 10 a includes apair of permanent magnets 24 and an electromagnet 38. The array 30associated with the device 12 a are ganged on a common spindle 44 andmay be moved toward and away from the surface of the casing of thedevice 12 a. The spindle 44 is moveable away from the face of the casing16 to bodily move each of the magnets 24. Movement of the magnets 24 mayalso be attained by rotating the axle 44 so that like poles are adjacentand thereby use the magnetic forces of repulsion to separate the magnetsand disconnect the components 10 a, 12 a.

The permanent magnets 24 have been illustrated as a bar magnetpresenting one pole to the terminal 32. This magnetic orientation may bereferred to herein as an “up” orientation, i.e., when the north pole isproximate terminal 32, or as a “down” orientation, i.e., when the southpole is proximate terminal 32. In each case, the magnetic orientationmay be substantially perpendicular to a connecting surface (e.g.,surface of terminals 32).

However, as shown in FIG. 17, the permanent magnets may present bothnorth and south poles to the terminal 32 and align with complimentarypairs of poles in the adjacent terminal. This magnetic orientation maybe referred to herein as a “left” orientation, i.e., when the north poleis to the left of the south pole, or as a “right” orientation, i.e.,when the north pole is to the right of the south pole. In each case, themagnetic orientation may be substantially parallel to a connectingsurface (e.g., surface of terminals 32).

Of course, as shown in FIG. 18, such magnets may be combined with polarmagnets in the same array.

Other arrangements can be provided using a large magnet 24, as shown inFIGS. 19A and 19B. As shown, a large magnet 24 may span severalterminals 32. In an arrangement shown in FIG. 19A, the magnet 24 maypresent one pole to each terminal 32. Compared to an array of smallermagnets, this arrangement provides a stronger attractive/repulsive forcein directions perpendicular to surface 16.

In an alternate arrangement shown in FIG. 19B, the magnet 24 may presentboth north and south poles to terminals 32 and align with acomplimentary pair of poles in adjacent terminals of another device.

Compared to an array of smaller magnets, this arrangement facilitatesalignment of devices, and inhibits lateral slipping of the devices.Lateral stability is thus improved.

Yet other arrangements can be provided using a pair of magnets 24, asshown in FIGS. 20A, 20B, and 20C. The arrangements of FIGS. 20A and 20Bprovide a balance between (i) attractive / repulsive strength indirections perpendicular to surface 16 and (ii) lateral stability. Thearrangement of FIG. 20A is symmetrical (i.e., with reflect to a centerpoint of the connector), and thus may be used to provide a connectorsuitable for use in two orientations. In contrast, the arrangement ofFIG. 20B is asymmetrical, and thus may be used to provide a connectorsuitable for use in only one orientation. The arrangement of FIG. 20C,like the arrangement of FIG. 19B also provides improved lateralstability, but being symmetrical may be used to provide a connectorsuitable for use in two orientations.

FIG. 20D shows an arrangement of four magnets that provides a balancebetween (i) attractive / repulsive strength in directions perpendicularto surface 16 and (ii) lateral stability. Other arrangements thatprovide a similar balance are possible, as will be apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art.

Any of the magnets shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B and FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C,and 20D may be a permanent magnet or an electromagnet.

An array of magnets 24 may be provided with respective orientationsselected to encode a key assigned to the device, or assigned to aconnector. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, device 10 c includes anarray of four magnets having non-uniform magnetic orientations encodingan assigned key, namely, diagonally-up-right, diagonally-up-left, left,up. Each orientation may be selected from a set of possible orientations(e.g., up, down, diagonally-up-left, diagonally-up-right,diagonally-down-left, diagonally-down-right, left, right, etc.),allowing a large number of unique keys to be encoded.

Device 10 c may be connected to a device having an array of magnetsencoding a complementary key, such as device 10 d, but will exert anrepulsive force on devices having one or more magnets that do not encodethe complementary key. In this way, undesirable connections to device 10c may be excluded.

FIG. 22 shows an arrangement including a magnet 24 that are disposed inchannels extending away from each electrical terminal 32, two sidemagnets 24 a and ferrous blocks 48. Each magnet 24 is moveable within apath defined by its channel to toggle between a disengaged state and anengaged state. In particular, each side magnet 24 a may attract anadjacent magnet 24 to bias the magnet 24 to a disengaged state, i.e.,away from electrical terminals 32. The magnet 24 may further attract itsneighbouring magnets 24 to collectively bias the magnets 24 to thedisengaged state. So, each side magnet 24 a may be referred to as a“biasing” magnet. Upon alignment with an adjacent array of permanentmagnets, the magnetic forces between side magnets 24 a and adjacentmagnets 24 are overcome to allow the magnets 24 to move into an engagedstatement, i.e., into engagement with the opposite terminal.

Conveniently, when magnets 24 are in the disengaged state, magnetic fluxlines at the contacting surface 16 may be significantly reduced.

Like passive stop 46 (FIG. 23), side magnets 24 a are magnetic elementsadapted to bias a magnet 24 to a disengaged (retracted) state. In otherembodiments, other types of magnetic elements may be used.

When the moveable magnet moves towards the disengaged position, adensity of flux lines between the magnet element and a magnet 24increases.

Each ferrous block 48 inhibits the attractive/repulsive force ofadjacent magnet 24 a, and thereby provide a magnetic shield between themagnet 24 a and the contacting surface. For example, opposing poles oftwo magnets may be connected together when a ferrous block 48 isinterposed therebetween. Each ferrous block 48 also provides anelectrical connection, which may be used in conjunction with theelectrical connections provided by electrical terminals 32.

As shown in FIG. 23, to avoid the use of additional mechanical devices,the magnets 24 may be held in the disengaged or at rest state by apassive stop indicated at 46. The stop is a ferrous material, whichattracts the permanent magnet 24 to be held away from the casing 16.Upon alignment with an adjacent array of permanent magnets, as shown inFIG. 24, the magnetic forces on the stop 46 are overcome to allow thepermanent magnets 24 to move into engagement with the opposite terminal.

As described above, the arrays 30 are shown as linear array of magnets.Alternative orientations of terminals 32 may be implemented for thearray as shown in FIG. 21. The inline orientation shown in FIG. 25A mayvary in the number of terminals 32 to suite particular applications. Thecontroller 36 controls the functional association of the terminal withthe device so that the number of active terminals is optimized.Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 25B, the terminals 32 may be arranged ina cubic orientation or, as shown in 21 c, in a hexagonal orientation.Selective energisation of those terminals facilitates connection anddisconnection. As illustrated schematically in FIG. 26, the selectiveactivation in a large array allows for a large variety of connections tobe established to suite individual components whilst retaining aconnection between the components.

As described above, biasing of the magnets to a retracted position isprovided by a mechanical biasing element, such as a spring. However, theinherent forces of attraction between the magnets 24 may be used to biasthe magnets 24 to a retracted position, either with use of the stop 46or independently. As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the magnets may bemounted so as to be moveable along channels defining divergent paths,from retracted to deployed positions (or conversely, along channelsdefining convergent paths, from deployed to retracted positions). Whendeployed, the spacing between the magnets 24, indicated at 37 is greaterthan when retracted, as indicated at 38. Upon release of the devices 10,12, the magnets will be attracted to one another and move to a retractedposition at which the spacing is minimal. The provision of a passivestop 46 for one of the magnets 24 reinforces the bias to the retractedposition. Again, when the magnet 25 is in its retracted position,magnetic flux lines at the contacting surface 16 may be significantlyreduced.

FIG. 29A is a front elevation view of a computing device 100; FIG. 29Bis a left/right side elevation of device 100; and FIG. 29C is atop/bottom plan view of device 100. As detailed below, computing device100 may be any type computing device such as, for example, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, etc.

As shown, device 100 includes a connector 102 at each of its fourcorners. Connectors 102 are substantially similar to the connectorsdescribed above. Each connector 102 is adapted to mate with anotherconnector 102 of another device. When mated, connectors 102 allow twodevices to connect both mechanically and electrically. Connectors 102,individually and collectively, allow device 100 to establish power anddata paths to connected devices.

FIGS. 30A and 30B shows a connector 102 according to an exampleembodiment. In particular, FIG. 30A is a top perspective view ofconnector 102 and FIG. 29B is an exploded view of the same connector. Asshown, connector 102 is formed from an interleaved stack of cylindricalmagnets 104, round conductive pads 106, and round insulative pads 108.Connector 102 is cylindrical in shape.

Each magnet 104 is substantially similar to a magnet 24 described above.Each magnet 104 may attract and attach to a corresponding magnets (i.e.,with an opposing polarity) on a connector of another device to establishelectrical connections between the devices through the magnets.

Each conductive pads 106 is formed from a thin layer of electricallyconductive material, and is stacked in electrical communication with anassociated magnet 104. Each conductive pad 106 includes a tab or pinthat may be connected to a pin of an internal I/O interface of device100 (FIG. 38), to facilitate signal transmission between connector 102and the internal I/O interface.

Each insulative pad 108 is formed from a thin layer of electricallyinsulative material, and is stacked to provide electrical insulationbetween certain adjacent pairs of magnets 104 and conductive pads 106,as shown.

Collectively, the stack of magnets 104, pads 106, and pads 108 allow asignal bus to be established through connector 102. This signal bus mayconform to a conventional signaling standard such as the UniversalSerial Bus (USB) protocol. So, each conductive pad 106 and associatedmagnet 104 may carry a signal corresponding to a particular USBpin/wire, namely, VCC, D−, D+, GND. Thus, each connector 102 may carrysignals in a manner similar to a conventional 4-pin USB connector. Thisallows device 100 to communicate through connector 102 using the USBprotocol.

In other embodiments, connector 102 may be modified to include a stackhaving a greater or fewer number of magnets 104, pads 106, and pads 108.For example, a greater number of magnets 104, pads 106, and pads 108 maybe included to increase bus width and thereby increase data throughputon the bus.

FIGS. 31A, 31 B, and 31 B show a connector 202, according to anotherexample embodiment, that may be used in place of connector 102. Eachconnector 202 is adapted to mate with another connector 202 on anotherdevice. When mated, connectors 202 allow two devices to connect bothmechanically and electrically. Connector 202 is cylindrical in shape.

FIG. 31A is a top perspective view of connector 202 including a stack ofmagnets 104 a, 104 b, 104 c, 104 d (collectively referred to as magnets104) and an elongate plug 110 extending from a bottom end of the stack.Each magnet 104 in the stack includes a hole extending therethrough suchthat a channel is formed through the stack for receiving plug 110.

FIG. 31 B is an exploded view of the connector 202 revealing the entirelength of plug 110 including its constituent segments 112 a through 112h. FIG. 31C shows the interconnections between segments 112 a through112 h of plug 110.

In some embodiments, plug 110 may be similar to a multi-connection phoneplug (e.g., TRS plug) or bantam-type plug. As shown, plug 110 includes aplurality of electrically isolated segments 112 a through 112 h, eachpresenting an outer contact surface formed from a conductive material.The segments 112 a through 112 h may each form a separate electricalconnection

As before, each magnet 104 of connector 202 attracts and attach to acorresponding magnet on another connector 102 of another device toestablish electrical connections between the devices through themagnets.

When a top end of plug 110 (including segments 112 a through 112 d) isreceived within an interior channel defined by stacked magnets 104;segment 112 a is in electrical communication with associated magnet 104a; segment 112 b is in electrical communication with associated magnet104 b; segment 112 c is in electrical communication with associatedmagnet 104 c; and segment 112 d is in electrical communication withassociated magnet 104 d. Meanwhile, the bottom end of plug 110(including segments 112 e through 112 h) may extend into device 100allowing segments 112 e through 112 h to interconnect with pins of aninternal I/O interface of device 100 (FIG. 38).

At the same time, as shown in FIG. 31C, segment 112 a is electricallyconnected to segment 112 e; segment 112 b is electrically connected tosegment 112 f; segment 112 c is electrically connected to segment 112 g;and segment 112 d is electrically connected to segment 112 h. In thisway, each magnet 104 may be connected to a pin of an internal I/Ointerface of device 100 through plug 110.

Collectively, magnets 104 and plug 110 allow a signal bus to beestablished through connector 202. As before, this signal bus mayconform to the USB protocol, and each magnet 104 and interconnectedsegments of plug 110 may carry a particular USB signal (VCC, D−, D+,GND), as shown in FIG. 31B.

FIGS. 32A and 32B show a connector 302, according to another exampleembodiment, that may also be used in place of connector 102. Eachconnector 302 is adapted to mate with another connector 302 of anotherdevice. When mated, connectors 302 allow two devices to connect bothmechanically and electrically. Connector 302 is cylindrical in shape.

As shown, connector 302 includes a sleeve 120 that wraps at least partlyaround the vertical face of cylindrical magnet 104. The outer surface ofsleeve 120 presents an array of contacts for carrying signals. Whenmagnet 104 of connector 302 attracts and attach to corresponding magneton a connector of another device, the contacts on sleeve 120 formelectrical connections with corresponding contacts on the connector ofthe other device.

Sleeve 120 may be flexible. In an embodiment, sleeve 120 may be aconventional flexible flat cable (FFC).

Sleeve 120 may include a coating formed from Teflon or similar material.Such a coating my protect sleeve 120 from wear and tear duringoperation. Such a coating may also smoothen rotations of a device 100relative to an interconnected device about a vertical axis of connector302.

At least one end of sleeve 120 is insertable into an interior of adevice such as device 100, for electrical connection with internalcomponents of the device. In some embodiments, sleeve 120 may wrapsubstantially or wholly around the vertical face of cylindrical magnet104. When sleeve 120 is wrapped substantially or wholly around thevertical face of magnet 104, the free ends of sleeve 120 may unite, andpress together to form a single flat cable that is insertable into adevice such as device 100.

So, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, thelength of sleeve 120 may be adjusted, to wrap along a desired portion ofthe vertical face of magnet 104, and to extend a desired distance intothe interior of a device.

In some embodiments, connector 302 may include a thin shim interposedbetween sleeve 120 and magnet 104 when sleeve 120 is wrapped aroundmagnet 104. The shim spans at least the portion of sleeve 120 expectedto contact another device (e.g., by way of a complementary connector onthat device). In an embodiment, the shim may be a thin hollow cylinderthat sheathes magnet 104. The shim may be formed of brass. However, theshim could also be formed of another suitable material that issufficiently malleable to be wrapped around portions of magnet 104, andis sufficiently rigid to maintain its shape during operation. (e.g., asconnector 302 comes into contact with other connectors). For example,the shim could also be formed of copper. In yet other embodiments, theshim could be formed of another metal, a carbon-based material, aplastic, or a composite material. In operation, the shim serves tospread out mechanical forces over the surface of magnet 104, andminimizes points loads on magnet 104. The shim also smoothens rotationsof a device 100 relative to an interconnected device about a verticalaxis of connector 302.

In some embodiments, the shim may be integral to sleeve 120, and may,for example, be provided as a backing or substrate of sleeve 120. Insuch embodiments, the shim may serve as a ground plane for sleeve 120(e.g., when the shim is formed of copper), and thereby facilitatessignal transmission through sleeve 120. The shim may also provideelectromagnetic shielding.

Collectively, the contacts on sleeve 120 allow a signal bus to beestablished through connector 302. As before, this signal bus mayconform to the USB protocol, and each may be assigned to carry a USBsignal (VCC, D−, D+, GND), as shown in FIGS. 32A and 32B.

In one arrangement, each contact on sleeve 120 may be used to carry aparticular USB signal (i.e., one of VCC, D1−, D1+, GND, D2−, D2+, D3−,D3+), as shown in FIG. 33A. In this arrangement, three data channels maybe provided, namely, D1, D2 and D3.

In another arrangement, the contacts on sleeve 120 may be paired, andeach pair of contacts may be electrically connected and used to carry aparticular USB signal (i.e., one of VCC, D−, D+, GND), as shown in FIG.33B. Further, the USB signals may be assigned to the contacts in avertically symmetrical order. This redundancy of contacts and verticallysymmetry allows connector 302 to be agnostic to its verticalorientation. In other words, connector 302 may be mated to anotherconnector 302 to establish electrical and mechanical connections,regardless of their respective vertical orientations.

Of course, connectors 102 and 202 may also be modified to have a similarredundancy and vertical symmetry of contacts (i.e., magnets 104), tothereby provide connectors that are agnostic to their verticalorientation.

The cylindrically shaped connectors described herein (e.g., connectors102, 202, and 302) allow device 100 to be rotated about a vertical axisof the connector when connected to another device by way of thatconnector. This allows the orientation of device 100 to be adjustedrelative to connected devices, without interrupting the mechanical orelectrical connections therebetween. Embodiments of the cylindricallyshaped connectors described herein (e.g., connectors 102, 202, and 302)may be genderless, and may mate with a like cylindrically shapedconnectors.

In other embodiments, the cylindrically shaped connectors describedherein may be modified to adhere to a protocol/connector pin-out formatother than USB or to adhere to a custom protocol/connector pin-outformat.

In other embodiments, the connectors described herein may have anothershape. For example, the connectors may be cuboid or prism-shaped (e.g.,triangular prism, pentagonal prism, hexagonal prism, etc.).As shown inFIGS. 29A, 29B and 29C, connectors 102 may be provided at the corners ofdevice 100. However, connectors 102 can also be provided centrally alongthe sides of device 100, as shown in FIG. 34A. Further, the number ofconnectors 102 provided on a device 100 may be varied. For example, agreater number of connectors 102 may be provided, as shown in FIG. 34B.Similarly, a fewer number of connectors 102 may be provided, as shown inFIG. 34C. In particular, each device 100 may include only a singleconnector 102.

In some embodiments, magnet 104 (FIGS. 32A and 32B) of connector 302 maybe replaced by a stack of cylindrical magnets 204 as shown in FIG. 42A.In an embodiment, stack 204 may include three magnets, namely, two endmagnets 204A and 204C and a center magnet 204B. Magnets 204A, 204B, and204C may be arranged to have orientations as shown, i.e., with endmagnets 204A and 204C having a common orientation that is opposite tothe orientation of center magnet 204B. A connector 302 including stack204 may mate with another connector 302 with magnets arranged withorientations complementary to the magnets of stack 204.

So arranged, end magnets 204A and 204C may facilitate axial alignment ofa connector 302 with another connector 302 (i.e., alignment of thevertical axes of the connectors), when the connectors mate. Inparticular, corresponding end magnets 204A and 204C of the twoconnectors 302 cooperate to resist mechanical forces that wouldotherwise bring the two connectors 302 out of axial alignment, e.g., totwist part. Meanwhile, center magnet 204C provides an attractive forceto facilitate adhesion of connector 302 to a mated connector. In someembodiments, magnet 204C may be larger than end magnets 204A and 204B.As will be appreciated, a larger center magnet 204C may be desirable toincrease the attractive force of connector 302.

FIG. 42B depicts a stack 204′ according to another embodiment. Stack204′ is substantially similar to stack 204, except the orientation ofits end magnets are different. As shown, stack 204′ includes two endmagnets 204A′ and 204C′ and a center magnet 20B, with end magnets 204A′and 204C′ oriented diagonally relative to the orientation of centermagnet 204B′. For example, end magnet 204A′ may oriented diagonally-uprelative to the orientation of center magnet 204B, while end magnet204C′ may be oriented diagonally-down relative to the orientation ofcenter magnet 204B. In the depicted embodiment, end magnets 204A′ and204C′ are each oriented diagonally at an angle of approximately 45degrees relative to the orientation of the center magnet 204B. However,other angles may be used. Compared to stack 204, stack 204′ providesimproved alignment, but reduced attraction.

FIG. 42C depicts a stack 204″ according to yet another embodiment. Stack204″ is substantially similar to stack 204 except end magnets 204A and204C are replaced with similarly shaped ferrous stops. As will beappreciated, the ferrous stops will become weakly magnetized by centermagnet 204B. Thus stack 204″ facilitates alignment and providesattraction, albeit more weakly than stack 204 or stack 204″. Replacingend magnets 204A and 204C with ferrous stops may reduce manufacturingcosts.

The number of magnets in stacks 204 may be varied. In particular, thenumber of magnets between end magnets 204A and 204C may be varied. Forexample, in an embodiment, the number of magnets between end magnets204A and 204C and may be increased to provide key encoding, as describedherein. The number of magnets in stack 204′ and stack 204″ may also bevaried in a similar manner.

FIGS. 43A to 43G depict an assembly 202 in accordance with an exampleembodiment. Assembly 202 includes a connector housing 208 for housing aconnector, e.g., connector 404 as shown. In other embodiments, housing208 may also be used to house another connector such as, e.g., aconnector 102, 202, or 302. Housing 208 may be used to mount a housedconnector to a device (e.g., device 100).

Referring to FIGS. 43A and 43B, housing 208 includes a plurality ofwalls, namely, top wall 208A, side walls 208C and 208D, and rear wall208B, which collectively define a partially-enclosed cavity forreceiving a connector. The walls of housing 208 may be formed frommetal. As such, housing 208 provides structural support for an housedconnector, and also provides electromagnetic shielding around thatconnector.

As depicted, a connector 404 is received within housing 208. Connector404 includes stack 204, including three cylindrical magnets. A sleeve220 and a shim 206 are wrapped around stack 204, with shim 206interposed between sleeve 220 and stack 204. Sleeve 220 is substantiallysimilar to sleeve 120. So, the outer surface of sleeve 220 presents anarray of contacts for carrying signals. Meanwhile, one end of sleeve 220extends past housing 208 into the interior of a device 100 toelectrically connect with components therein. Sleeve 220 may be fixedlysecured to housing 208, e.g., at the two ends of sleeve 220. Asdepicted, each magnets of stack 204 has a hollow central cavity.However, the magnets need not be hollow and solid magnets may also beused.

FIG. 43C is view of assembly 202 with side wall 208C removed to show theportions of stack 204 and sleeve 330 occluded by side wall 208C. Asshown, shim 206 has a semi-circular cross-section, and spans the portionof sleeve 220 expected to contact another device.

Further, a space is provided between connector 404 and rear wall 208B,allowing connector 404 to recede slightly into housing 202. In this way,in embodiments including a casing 16 (FIG. 20), connector 404 may bedrawn away from casing 16 when not in use (e.g., by tension in sleeve220). Connector 404 may be drawn forward from a recessed position whenpresented to a magnetic material, e.g., the magnets of anotherconnector. Forward movement of connector 404 is constrained byattachment of sleeve 220 to housing 208.

FIG. 43D is a cross-sectional view of assembly 202 taken along line A-Aof FIG. 43B, while FIG. 43E is a cross-sectional view of assembly 202taken along line B-B of FIG. 43B. As depicted in FIGS. 43D and 43E,stack 204 includes three magnets, namely end magnets 204A and 204C, andcenter magnet 204B, with center magnet 204B being larger than endmagnets 204A and 204C.

FIG. 43F depicts a front elevation view of assembly 202. As shown,sleeve 220 of connector 404 is presented for mating with anotherconnector. FIG. 43G is a top plan view of assembly 202, showing top wall208A.

Connector 404 could be modified by replacing stack 204 with a similarstack of magnetics (e.g., stack 204′ or stack 204″) or a singlecylindrical magnet (e.g., magnet 104). For example, FIG. 44 is across-sectional view of assembly 202 including stack 204′ instead ofstack 204, taken along line B-B of FIG. 43B.

FIGS. 45A to 45F depict a connector housing 308 in accordance withanother example embodiment. Like housing 208, housing 308 is adapted tohouse a connector (e.g., connector 102, 202, 302, or 404) and may beused to mount a housed connector to a device (e.g., device 100).

FIG. 45A is a front perspective view of housing 308. As depicted,housing 308 includes a top wall 308A, sidewalls 308C and 308D, a rearwall 308B, and a bottom wall 308E, which collectively define apartially-enclosed cavity for receiving a connector. Housing 308 alsoincludes flanges 310A and 310B extending from sidewalls 308B and 308C,respectively. As shown, flanges 310A and 310B may extend from thesesidewalls at right angles. Flanges 310A and 310B provide a mountingpoint for housing 308 to be fixedly mounted to a device 100 (e.g., bysoldering, screws, adhesives, or the like).

FIG. 45B is a side elevation view of housing 308. As depicted, top wall308A and bottom wall 308E each extend from rear wall 308B at an angle αof approximately 30 degrees. So, unlike housing 208 which is shapedsubstantially like a rectangular prism, housing 308 is shapedsubstantially like a trapezoidal prism. This shaping of housing 308allows a greater surface area of a housed connector to be exposed, asfurther detailed below. In other embodiments, the angle α may vary,e.g., between 10 degrees and 90 degrees.

FIG. 45C is a front elevation view of housing 308; FIG. 45D is a rearelevation view of housing 308; FIG. 45E is a top plan view of housing308; and FIG. 45F is a bottom plan view of housing 308.

As best seen in FIG. 45F, housing 308 includes restraints 314A and 315Bextending from bottom wall 310E. Restraints 314A and 315B each have acurved lip that defines a channel for receiving a side edge of a sleeve220 of a housed connector. Restraints 314A and 314B respectively includetabs 312A and 312B. Tabs 312A and 312B are spaced from bottom wall 310Eat a distance slightly greater than the thickness of 220. In this way,when the edges of a sleeve 220 are inserted into restraints 314A and314B, tabs 312A and 312B hold sleeve 220 to housing 308. When sleeve 220is so held, a free end of sleeve 220 may extend substantially parallelto rear wall 310E, e.g., into a device 100.

A similar set of restraints 316A/316B (FIG. 45C) may be provided at rearwall 308B to hold sleeve 220 thereto.

Housing 308 is otherwise substantially similar to housing 208. Forexample, housing 308 may be formed from similar materials, and may havesimilar shielding properties.

FIGS. 46A to 46H depict an assembly 302 in accordance with anotherexample embodiment. Assembly 302 includes connector housing 308, whichhouses a connector 404.

FIG. 46A is a front perspective view of assembly 302, while FIG. 46B isa front elevation view of assembly 302. FIG. 46C is a perspectivecross-sectional view of assembly 302 taken along line C-C of FIG. 46B,while FIG. 46D is an elevation cross-sectional view of assembly 302taken along line C-C of FIG. 46B.

As best seen in FIG. 46D, one end of sleeve 220 may be fixedly attachedto rear wall 308B (e.g., when held in restraints 316A/316B). Meanwhile,a free end of sleeve 220 may be inserted in restraints 314A/314B belowbottom wall 308E.

FIG. 46E is a side elevation view of assembly 302. As noted, compared tohousing 208, housing 308 allows a greater surface area of a housedconnector (e.g., connector 404) to be exposed for interconnection. Inparticular, as depicted, whereas housing 208 exposes an approximately180 degree cross-section of connector 404 (FIG. 43B), housing 308 mayexpose an approximately 270 degree cross-section of connector 404.During operation, this allows a greater portion of the surface area ofconnector 404 to be used for interconnection, e.g., to other connectors.Conveniently, devices 100 including connectors 404 may be connected toeach other over a wider range of angles. Further, a greater number ofdevices 100 may be connected to a single connector 404.

FIG. 46F is a cross-sectional view of assembly 302 taken along line D-Dof FIG. 46E, while FIG. 46G is a cross-sectional view of assembly 302taken along line E-E of FIG. 46E. As depicted, connector 404 includesstack of magnets 204, including end magnets 204A and 204C, and centermagnet 204B. Of course, connector 404 may also include a different stackof magnets (e.g., stack 204′ or stack 204″).

FIG. 46H is a bottom plan view of assembly 302. As shown, the free endof sleeve 220 may include cut-outs 222A and 222B at its side edges.Cut-outs 222A and 222B are sized to be complementary to tabs 312A and312B. So, sleeve 220 may be positioned to align cut-outs 222A and 22Bwith tabs 312A and 312, allowing sleeve 220 to be passed through tabs312A and 312B and then pulled forward (upward in the orientationdepicted in FIG. 46H) causing sleeve 220 to be locked in place by tabs312A/312B.

FIG. 35A shows devices 100 a and 100 b interconnected by way of a pairof connectors 102′. The magnets of connectors 102′ mutually attract,thereby joining the two connectors 102′. The remaining connectorsdevices 100 a and 100 b, namely, connectors 102 are inactive.

FIG. 35B shows devices 100 a and 100 b interconnected by way of twopairs of connectors 102′. The number data/power paths between devices100 a and 100 c is twice that between devices 100 a and 100 b. Forexample, when connectors 102′ are adapted to provide a USB connection,there are twice as many connections for each of the VCC, D−, D+, GNDsignals. The additional connections for D− and D+may be used toestablish additional data channels, thereby increasing data throughputbetween devices 100 a and 100 c.

In some embodiments, the additional connections for VCC and GND may bedynamically re-assigned to serve as data connections, further increasingdata throughput between devices 100 a and 100 c.

More than two devices may be interconnected by way of connectors 102′.For example, FIG. 35C depicts four devices 100 d, 100 e, 100 f, and 100g, all interconnected by way of connectors 102′. An even greater numberof devices may be interconnected. The number of devices that beinterconnected in this manner may be limited by total current draw ofthe devices, and the ability of particular protocols to uniquelyidentify interconnected devices. Various combinations of disparatedevices may be interconnected.

For convenience, devices 100 a, 100 b, 100 c, 100 d, 100 e, 100 f, and100 g will collectively be referred to as devices 100 and individuallybe referred to as a device 100.

Devices may be interconnected by a single bus. For example, FIG. 36depicts a single bus (e.g., a USB bus) formed between devices 100 d, 100e, 100 f, and 100 g (connected as shown in FIG. 35C). Each device on thebus may communicate with any other device on the bus. So, device 100 dmay communicate with device 100 g, even though these two devices may notbe directly connected (FIG. 35C).

Concurrently, interconnected devices 100 may also communicate with oneanother wirelessly. For example, FIG. 37 depicts a network 150interconnecting devices 100 d, 100 e, 100 f, and 100 g. Network 150 maybe any network capable of carrying data including the Internet,Ethernet, plain old telephone service (POTS) line, public switchtelephone network (PSTN), integrated services digital network (ISDN),digital subscriber line (DSL), coaxial cable, fiber optics, satellite,mobile, wireless (e.g. Wi-Fi, WiMAX), SS7 signaling network, fixed line,local area network, wide area network, and others, including anycombination of these. Interconnected devices 100 may also communicatewith one another by way of near field communication protocol, Bluetooth™protocol, or an infra-red communication protocol, or the like.

So, devices connected mechanically but not electrically by way ofconnectors 102, may nonetheless communicate wirelessly.

FIG. 39 is a schematic diagram of a device 100, according to an exampleembodiment. Device 100 may any conventional computing device, such as asmart phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, desktop computer,workstation, server, portable computer, personal digital assistant,interactive television, video display terminal, gaming console,electronic reading device, any other portable electronic device, or acombination of these. Device 100 may be integrated with a householdappliance (e.g., a fridge, oven, washing machine, stereo, exercise bike,alarm clock, or the like), or a vehicle (e.g., on a vehicle dashboard).

In the depicted embodiment, device 100 includes at least one processor160, memory 162, at least one I/O interface 164, and at least onenetwork interface 166.

Processor 160 may be any type of processor, such as, for example, anytype of general-purpose microprocessor or microcontroller (e.g., anARM™, Intel™ x86, PowerPC™ processor or the like), a digital signalprocessing (DSP) processor, an integrated circuit, a programmableread-only memory (PROM), or any combination thereof.

Memory 162 may include a suitable combination of any type of electronicmemory that is located either internally or externally such as, forexample, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), compactdisc read-only memory (CDROM), electro-optical memory, magneto-opticalmemory, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), andelectrically-erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or thelike.

I/O interface 164 enables device 100 to communicate through connectors102, e.g., to interconnect with other devices 100. I/O interface 204also enables device 100 to interconnect with various input and outputperipheral devices. As such, device 100 may include one or more inputdevices, such as a keyboard, mouse, camera, touch screen and amicrophone, and may also include one or more output devices such as adisplay screen and a speaker.

Network interface 166 enables device 100 to communicate with otherdevices (e.g., other devices 100) by way of a network such as network150 (FIG. 37).

Device 100 may be adapted to operate in concert with one or moreinterconnected devices 100. In particular, device 100 may store softwarecode in memory 162 and execute that software code at processor 160 toadapt it to operate in concert with one or more interconnected devices100. The software code may be implemented in a high level procedural orobject oriented programming or scripting language, or a combinationthereof. The software code may also be implemented in assembly ormachine language.

The software code, when executed, provides a coordinator 170 at eachdevice 100. Coordinator 170 performs various functions, includingdetection and registration of devices connected to device 100.Coordinator 170 coordinates task sharing between devices, and taskassignment from one device to another. Coordinator 170 also coordinatesdata transfer between devices.

To these ends, coordinator 170 communicates with counterpartcoordinators at other devices, e.g., by way of bus 140 or network 150 orboth. For example, FIG. 39 shows coordinator 170 a of device 100 acommunicating with coordinator 170 b of device 100 b when devices 100 aand 100 b are interconnected by way of connectors 102′ (FIG. 35A).Coordinator 170 a and 170 b may communicate with one another using anysuitable conventional communication protocol. By way of suchcommunication, coordinators 170 a and 170 b may establish a peer-to-peerrelationship or a master-slave relationship, depending on the nature ofthe cooperation desired.

So, for example, by way of coordinators 170, a first device 100 mayassume control of a second device 100, and control its outputs, receiveits inputs, and otherwise access the functionality of the second device.Conversely, the first device 100 may also expose its own inputs, outputsand functionality to the second device.

Coordinator 170 of a device 100 may notify other coordinators at otherdevices of hardware and software events occurring at device 100.Conversely, coordinator 170 of device 100 may request, from othercoordinators, to be notified of hardware and software events occurringat other devices. Such events may, for example, relate to user input,user requests, incoming communication (e.g., SMS messages, phone calls,e-mails), hardware failures, low battery warnings, etc. Each coordinator170 may be configured to take pre-defined actions in response to beingnotified of such events.

The operation of coordinator 170 a is further described with referenceto an example application shown in FIGS. 40a and 40 b.

FIG. 40a shows a device 100 having a conventional display, which may bean LCD display, an LED display, or the like. Device 100 displays animage (e.g., a happy face) on this display. In this example application,device 100 may be, e.g., a smart phone or a tablet computer.

FIG. 40b shows four devices, namely devices 100 a, 100 b, 100 c, and 100d interconnected by connectors 102′ (not shown). As shown, devices 100a, 100 b, 100 c, and 100 d are connected in a 2×2 matrix arrangement.Each of devices 100 a, 100 b, 100 c, and 100 d includes a conventionaldisplay.

Coordinators 170 a, 170 b, 170 c, 170 d of devices 100 a, 100 b, 100 c,and 100 d adapt the respective devices to operate in concert; inparticular, the coordinator adapt the devices to display an imagespanning the displays of the devices.

In an embodiment, coordinator 170 a may establish a master-slaverelationship with each of the remaining coordinators 170 b, 170 c, and170 d. As master, coordinator 170 a provides instructions and optionallydata to each of its slave coordinators 170 b, 170 c, and 170 d. Inparticular, coordinator 170 a may subdivide an image into fourquadrants. Coordinator 170 a may cause a first image quadrant to bedisplayed on the display of device 100 a. Coordinator 170 a may transmitimage data corresponding to each one of the remaining image quadrants toa respective one of devices 100 b, 100 c, and 100 d, along withinstructions to coordinator 170 b, 170 c, 170 d to display that imagedata. Such data and instructions may be transmitted by way of the USBconnection between the devices, as established using connectors 102′.Coordinators 170 b, 170 c, and 170 d, upon receiving the image data andinstructions, may execute the instructions to display the received imagedata. Consequently, an image may be displayed tiled across the fourseparate displays of devices 100 a, 100 b, 100 c, and 100 d.

Of course, in a similar manner, devices may cooperate to present otherforms of data. For example, videos may also be displayed across multipledisplays.

Another example application is provided by two interconnected devices100 operating in concert. In this example, the first device 100 may be asmart phone or a tablet computer, while the second device 100 is aspeaker. When the two devices are connected (e.g., by way of connectors102′), coordinator 170 of the first device causes audio data to betransmitted to the second device, and instructs coordinator 170 of thesecond device to play that audio data through the speaker.

Yet another example application is provided by two interconnecteddevices 100 operating in concert. In this example, the first device 100is a computing device that accumulates user data (e.g., a camera, aworkstation, etc.), while the second device 100 is a storage device.When the two devices are connected (e.g., by way of connectors 102′),coordinator 170 of the first device causes user data to be transmittedto the second device, and instructs coordinator 170 of the second deviceto store that user data in storage memory of the second device 100. Inthis way, the two devices may cooperate to perform a back-up of userdata from the first device 100 to the second device 100.

In a further example, the second device 100 is a power source, e.g.,including a chemical cell or a photovoltaic cell, and may be used toprovide power to an interconnected first device 100.

In a yet further example, the second device 100 is a data entry device,e.g., a keyboard or a track-pad, and may be used to provide user inputto an interconnected first device 100.

The number cooperating devices may be less than four, or greater thanfour, and is limited only by the number of interconnected devices. Thecooperating devices may be a subset of the interconnected devices.

FIGS. 41A and 41B each show a device 100 including a plurality offerrous strips 130. Strips 130 are each formed from a thin ferrousmaterial and are mounted to a surface of device 100. As shown, eachstrip 130 is mounted to extend from a connector 102. A strip 130 may bemounted to extend along an edge of device 100 (FIG. 41A). A strip 130may also be mounted to extend centrally through device 100 (FIG. 41B).

So mounted on device 100, strips 130 provide points of adhesion formagnetic connectors of another device, and provide a guided path forthose magnetic connector to move along. For example, a magneticconnector of another device mated to connector 102 of device 100 may bedetached from connector 102 to slide along a strip 130 extendingtherefrom.

In another aspect, any of the connectors disclosed herein may be used inelectronic devices (e.g., device 10 and device 12), to facilitatedynamic reconfiguration of the electronic devices during operation. So,there is provided a method of operating electronic devices that includesproviding at least two devices, each of the devices including aconnector as disclosed herein, connecting the two devices by way of therespective connectors in a first mechanical configuration; andconnecting the two devices by way of the respective connectors in asecond mechanical configuration different from the first mechanicalconfiguration.

In embodiments, the devices may be reconfigured from the firstmechanical configuration to the second mechanical configurationaccording to any of the manners shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 11.

Although the disclosure has been described and illustrated with respectto exemplary arrangements and embodiments with a certain degree ofparticularity, it is noted that the description and illustrations havebeen made by way of example only. Numerous changes in the details ofconstruction and combination and arrangement of parts and steps may bemade.

39. An electronic device comprising: a housing; a wireless communicationradio; a magnetic connector for holding an adjacent device in abutmentwith said housing by magnetic attraction; a controller for selectivelymagnetizing said magnetic connector in response to receipt of a signalfrom said adjacent device by said wireless communication radio.
 40. Theelectronic device of claim 39, wherein said magnetic connector comprisesan electromagnet.
 41. The electronic device of claim 39, wherein saidmagnetic connector is configured to form a data connection with saidadjacent device by magnetic attraction.
 42. The electronic device ofclaim 39, wherein said magnetic connector is configured to form a powerconnection with said adjacent device by magnetic attraction.
 43. Theelectronic device of claim 40, wherein said magnetic connector comprisesa plurality of electromagnets.
 44. The electronic device of claim 43,wherein said controller is configured to selectively magnetize saidplurality of electromagnets in a pattern, to magnetically attract aconnector with a complementary pattern or repel a connector with anon-complementary pattern.
 45. The electronic device of claim 39,wherein said signal from an adjacent device comprises a near-fieldcommunication (NFC) signal and said controller is configured toselectively magnetize said magnetic connector in response to receipt ofsaid NFC signal.
 46. The electronic device of claim 39, wherein saidsignal from an adjacent device comprises a password and said controlleris configured to selectively magnetize said magnetic connector inresponse to receipt of said password.
 47. The electronic device of claim39, wherein said signal from an adjacent device comprises a password andsaid controller is configured to, in response to receiving an incorrectpassword, selectively magnetize said magnetic connector to repel saidadjacent device.
 48. The electronic device of claim 39, wherein saidmagnetic connector comprises a magnet that is movable and biased to saiddisengaged position.
 49. A method of connecting first and secondelectronic devices, comprising, at said first electronic device:receiving a signal from said second electronic device; in response toreceiving said signal, magnetizing a connector positioned proximate asurface of said first electronic device; positioning said surfaceadjacent a corresponding surface of said second electronic device toform a connection between said first and second electronic devices bymagnetic attraction.
 50. The method of claim 49, wherein saidmagnetizing a connector comprises activating an electromagnet.
 51. Themethod of claim 49, comprising forming a data connection between saidfirst and second electronic devices.
 52. The method of claim 49,comprising forming a power connection between said first and secondelectronic devices.
 53. The method of claim 50, wherein said magnetizinga connector comprises activating a plurality of electromagnets.
 54. Themethod of claim 50, wherein said magnetizing a connector comprisesactivating a plurality of electromagnets in a pattern, to magneticallyattract a connector with a complementary pattern or repel a connectorwith a non-complementary pattern.
 55. The method of claim 49, comprisingreceiving a signal from said second electronic device by near-fieldcommunication (NFC).
 56. The method of claim 55, wherein said signalcomprises a password.
 57. The method of claim 49, comprising receiving asignal from a third device comprising an incorrect password, and inresponse, magnetizing said connector to repel said third device.
 58. Aconnector for an electronic device having a housing, the connectorcomprising: a magnetic coupling proximate an outer surface of saidhousing, comprising an electromagnet interconnected with a controller ofsaid electronic device for selective magnetization of said electromagnetin response to a wireless signal; said magnetic coupling operable tohold an adjacent device in abutment with said housing by magneticattraction.